Along with updates to the BMW M3 Sedan, BMW unveiled the M3 Touring and it has gone on sale in South Africa, marking a new chapter for the performance brand in SA.
The M3 range has received performance enhancements to the tune of 15kW for all-wheel drive variants, a new design and equipment features and further advances in the area of digitalisation.
The latest round of updates takes the race-car character and long-distance poise and composure of the high-performance premium midsized models to a new level for driver and passengers.
Enhanced exterior
Newly designed LED headlights, which bring together the low and high beam in a single module, bring fresh accents to the front end. Two elegantly sculpted, subtly arrow-shaped and vertically arranged LED units in each module serve as both side lights, daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators. The focussed impression created by the light sources ensures a progressive appearance which is also adopted by the slim LED rear lights and L-shaped taillights.
Adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam are available as an option. M Shadowline lights with dark inner accents are also available with cars specified with the Adaptive LED headlights.
The motorsport inspired characteristics of the BMW M3 can be experienced in a totally different manner with the latest generation as the BMW M3 Sedan is now being offered alongside a Touring model. The BMW M3 Touring fuses the performance attributes for which this model is renowned with additional practicality and expanded load carrying ability. Folding down the rear seat backrests increases load compartment capacity from 500 to 1 510 litres.
With their distinct body concepts and qualities, the Sedan and Touring occupy very different positions within the M3 range. One of their most important shared elements is their visually striking design with hallmark M features that have been crafted to meet the demands of supplying cool air and ensuring aerodynamic balance. This includes large, vertical BMW kidney grille with double bars arranged horizontally, powerfully sculpted wheelarches and extended side skirts in contrasting black high gloss. The M3 Sedan also features a carbon fibre roof as standard while the M3 Touring boasts added practicality in the form of roof rails.
All new BMW M3 models are fitted as standard with M forged light-alloy wheels in axle-specific rim sizes to the benefit of agility and handling and a variety of designs for the different derivatives are on offer.
A motorsport inspired drivetrain
The BMW M3 Touring is available exclusively with the most powerful version of the six-cylinder in-line engine for the BMW M3 along with M xDrive Intelligent all-wheel drive system.
All variants feature a high-revving straight six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 3.0-litre engine has a healthy appetite for revs and linear power delivery, which is a characteristic that has become a typical feature of high-performance BMW M models.
Motorsport inspired elements include a crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction and a lightweight crankshaft design. The cylinder bores feature a wire-arc sprayed iron coating and a 3D-printed core for the cylinder head enables optimised routing of the coolant ducts. A map-controlled oil pump guarantees reliable oil supply even under extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
The M TwinPower Turbo technology consists of two mono-scroll turbochargers which each supply compressed air to three cylinders. The package also includes High Precision Injection as well as Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double Vanos fully variable camshaft timing for maximum extraction of power.
The engine fitted to the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the new BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive develops an extra 15kW thanks to optimised configuration of the digital engine control unit and now offers a total of 390kW at 6 250rpm and 650Nm from 2 750rpm.
This allows the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds while the new M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive takes 3.6 seconds to get to 100km/h.
The two most powerful models in the range are equipped with M xDrive to elevate traction to an even higher level. The rear biased setup of the intelligent all-wheel drive system further enhances the agility of the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and new BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive. The system works in conjunction with the Active M Differential rear axle to add to the signature M feeling when powering through corners. The driver can also select 4WD Sport mode where a higher proportion of the drive power is sent to the rear wheels for even more agile handling. Switching off Dynamic Stability Control also brings 2WD into play which offers skilled drivers a pure-bred driving experience.
The standard adaptive M suspension gives drivers the ability to adapt the responses of the electronically controlled dampers as they wish. Via the M Setup menu, drivers can select from three different settings to optimise the cars handling in line with need and personal preference. The handling package includes M Servotronic steering and the integrated braking system, which works in conjunction with both the standard M Compound brakes and the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes.
M specific interior
The interior of the latest M3 models is differentiated by a stripped back interior reminiscent of motorsport focussed vehicles. New steering wheels and controls, plus highly sophisticated materials heighten the aura of exclusivity.
A newly designed three-spoke M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and red centre marked in the 12 o’clock position features a flat-bottomed rim and precisely modified spokes. Two M buttons for selecting individually configured vehicle setups and gearshift paddles ensure an intense race car feeling.
The M-specific cockpit design also includes a control panel on the centre console located along with the gearshift lever, the red Start/Stop button and the BMW iDrive Controller which houses controls including the Setup button and M Mode button which can be used by the driver to configure their desired vehicle setup and activate cockpit display and driver assistance system functions tailored for the driving situation at hand.
High-quality, carefully crafted materials and M-specific design features in the interior create a modern premium ambience with sporting flair. Standard M sport seats offer an array of electrically operated adjustment options to make it easier to find the perfect position behind the steering wheel.
The interior is also home to the latest generation of the display and control system BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5. With the high-resolution BMW Curved Display angled towards the driver and upgraded BMW Personal Assistant, the interaction between the driver and car is based squarely on operation using touch control and natural language. The fully digital screen grouping made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display showcases M-specific content including additional information on the vehicle’s status.
Extensive selection of assistance systems
The new BMW M3 Sedan and M3 Touring set new standards in their segment with an extensive range of standard and optional automated driving and parking systems. The interventions of the driver assistance systems can be adjusted using the M Mode button on the centre console.
Standard specification for all models includes Park Distance Control, front collision warning system, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info. Among the items on the options list are the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant.
Local pricing
Pricing for the BMW M3 Touring starts at R2 195 000.
